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Jim Foglesong Obituary

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Jim Foglesong, a record label executive and music producer who helped launch Garth Brooks' career and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, died Tuesday. He was 90.

Kristin Whittlesey, a spokeswoman at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music where Foglesong had been a faculty member since 1991, said Foglesong died Tuesday morning. A statement from his family released through the Country Music Hall of Fame said Foglesong died at a Nashville hospital after a brief illness.

Foglesong, a West Virginia native, began his career in New York as a session singer, producer and record executive and moved to Nashville in 1970 after helping Columbia Records launch subsidiary Epic.

He began as the head of independent label Dot Records in Nashville and, following a series of mergers, took over as president of Capitol Records' Nashville division from 1984-89 where he helped launch the career of Brooks, country music 's best-selling artist.

"Today, the music industry lost its greatest diplomat for kindness, tolerance, faith, and sincerity," Brooks said in an emailed statement. "But do not weep for Jim, I have never met a man with a stronger faith, anyone who knew Jim knows where he is now. Instead, weep for those of us who are left here without him ... truly, a great, great man."

Brooks wasn't the only musician whose career was touched by Foglesong before he turned to academics later in life. Late in his career, he oversaw label rosters that included Brooks, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Barbara Mandrell, Don Williams, Roy Clark, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty.

All have joined him as members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2004.

"He was such an important influence on my career as my record company president for most of the years I spent recording," Mandrell said in an email statement. "He was a loving and caring friend who provi ded thoughtful wisdom and guidance."

After retiring from the business, Foglesong taught at Trevecca Nazarene University and Vanderbilt, where one of his students was future country music star Dierks Bentley.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Jim Foglesong, a record label executive and music producer who helped launch Garth Brooks' career and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, died Tuesday. He was 90.

Kristin Whittlesey, a spokeswoman at Vanderbilt University's Blair School of Music where Foglesong had been a faculty member since 1991, said Foglesong died Tuesday morning. A statement from his family released through the Country Music Hall of Fame said Foglesong died at a Nashville hospital after a brief illness.

Foglesong, a West Virginia native, began his career in New York as a session singer, producer and record executive and moved to Nashville in 1970 after helping Columbia Records launch subsidiary Epic.

He began as the head of independent label Dot Records in Nashville and, following a series of mergers, took over as president of Capitol Records' Nashville division from 1984-89 where he helped launch the career of Brooks, country music 's best-selling artist.

"Today, the music industry lost its greatest diplomat for kindness, tolerance, faith, and sincerity," Brooks said in an emailed statement. "But do not weep for Jim, I have never met a man with a stronger faith, anyone who knew Jim knows where he is now. Instead, weep for those of us who are left here without him ... truly, a great, great man."

Brooks wasn't the only musician whose career was touched by Foglesong before he turned to academics later in life. Late in his career, he oversaw label rosters that included Brooks, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Barbara Mandrell, Don Williams, Roy Clark, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty.

All have joined him as members of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2004.

"He was such an important influence on my career as my record company president for most of the years I spent recording," Mandrell said in an email statement. "He was a loving and caring friend who provi ded thoughtful wisdom and guidance."

After retiring from the business, Foglesong taught at Trevecca Nazarene University and Vanderbilt, where one of his students was future country music star Dierks Bentley.

Guest Book Highlights

"I worked on a show here in Nashville many years ago with Leslie, and then visited her in New York later. Just wanted to share my expression of sorrow at your loss. Hope this last year has eased the pain somewhat, and that your life is at peace..."- Fran Cole (Antioch, TN)

"I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Foglesong. Grief can be so hard but our loving Heavenly Father can help us to cope.-2 Corinthians 4:7. Also he can give you the strength beyond what is normal. May his love and support help you through this..."- Marilynn Harmon

"Jim was one of the finest gentlemen I've ever known. It was an honor to know him. May he rest in peace."- Allan Werst (Westlake, TX)

"You are in our thoughts and hearts. Many dear memories and prayers will surely bring you comfort. Phillipians 4:6,7" (GA)

"I first came in contact with “Professor Foglesong” when I took Business of Music as an elective credit hour at Vanderbilt in 2001. We struck up a great friendship as I was one of the few Vandy kids in the large class who was legitimately interested..."

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Published in The Tennessean from July 13 to July 14, 2013

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Published in The Tennessean on July 13, 2014

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Published online on July 10, 2013 courtesy of Dignity Memorial.

Jim Foglesong was the son of the late William Russell and Norma Staton Foglesong and brother of the late Bill Foglesong. Jim is survived by his wife, Toni; sisters, Martha Faye Godfrey of...
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